Dark Brahma

[janiedoe]

At what age can you sex dark brahmas. I've read that they can be sexed early but nothing indicates how early.
These were bought as pullets at TSC and all have the same pattern. I haven't noticed any solid black feathers coming in. They are around 1 month old. (Not asking about the sussex in the foreground, just the brahmas)

 

[CindyinSD]

At hatcheries, standard and large chicks are vent sexed as soon as the incubator drawers are opened up. (They're fluffed by then.) Unless yours are bantams, you can vent sex right away. At this stage (from looking at the pic), you should be safe to gently vent sex if you know how. There are lots of YouTube instructional videos available.

If you want to sex by other means, that involves observation. How cheeky and brash is the chick? These dominant characteristics hint at a cockerel. Upright stance is a clue as well. Comb and wattles developing faster and becoming redder say "boy". Saddle (immediately adjoining the tail feathers) and hackle (around the neck and collar) feathers that cascade beautifully in long saber shaped locks are also characteristic of males. Except for breeds with very insignificant combs/wattles, you will likely know before the plumage tells you, though.

 

[janiedoe]

At hatcheries, standard and large chicks are vent sexed as soon as the incubator drawers are opened up. (They're fluffed by then.) Unless yours are bantams, you can vent sex right away. At this stage (from looking at the pic), you should be safe to gently vent sex if you know how. There are lots of YouTube instructional videos available.

If you want to sex by other means, that involves observation. How cheeky and brash is the chick? These dominant characteristics hint at a cockerel. Upright stance is a clue as well. Comb and wattles developing faster and becoming redder say "boy". Saddle (immediately adjoining the tail feathers) and hackle (around the neck and collar) feathers that cascade beautifully in long saber shaped locks are also characteristic of males. Except for breeds with very insignificant combs/wattles, you will likely know before the plumage tells you, though.

Thank you for your reply.
I understand vent sexing, although I would never put a chick in danger by attempting that. I believe it should be left to the experts. I've been raising chicks for a few years and also understand how to tell cockrells from pullets in most cases.
These were sexed pullets so I'm 95% sure they are. What I'm specifically interested in is how male dark brahma chicks feather in and when the male specific color pattern starts to show.

 

[CindyinSD]

Oops... sorry.

 

[Gray Farms]

Watch for black chest feathers. At 4 weeks if you don't see any black then you've got pullets.

 

[janiedoe]

Oops... sorry.

Not a problem! Truly thank you for replying.